The history of Cognac is closely linked to its river, the Charente, which has shaped its destiny since Antiquity. A true commercial artery, it allowed the development of the trade in salt, wine, and later, cognac, contributing to the prosperity of the city. In the Middle Ages, Cognac was equipped with ramparts and became a stronghold, testifying to its strategic and commercial importance. It was during the Renaissance that cognac began to acquire its reputation, thanks to the ingenuity of local producers and double distillation, an innovative process which gave birth to cognac eau-de-vie.

In the 17th century, the cognac trade took off, supported by commercial relations with England, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries. Cognac houses, some founded at this time, began to export their production, establishing the foundations of what would become a world-renowned industry. The 19th century marked the golden age of cognac, with international expansion and the consolidation of its prestige. Despite the phylloxera crises and wars, Cognac and its trading houses have managed to preserve their heritage, while innovating to continue to produce an exceptional spirit.

Today, Cognac is more than a city: it is the symbol of a living heritage, where history and modernity meet to celebrate the art of cognac. Visiting Cognac is therefore exploring an open-air history book, where each stone, each distillery tells a chapter in the great saga of cognac.